Was curious if anyone used the feeling of punching the ball instead of swinging at the ball in the downswing. Obvious, it's a swing, but I find when I think of swinging at the ball, my shoulders start turning, I come over the top and slice the ball. However, when I think of cocking the trail wrist and elbow in the backswing and then feel like I'm trying to slap or punch the ball with the trail arm that I don't start turning my upper body so much.
It's the difference between an upper cut in boxing vs a round house swing. With the upper cut, your body stays stable, the lower shoulder turns, you come from underneath and your head stays in the same spot. With a round house, you come over the top, your whole body is turning (kind of like coming over the top) and your head goes forward.
To me, at least, it's a very different feeling. Feeling like a punch also causes me to push or extend my arms out after hitting the ball versus swinging my arms across my body to the inside when I think of swinging at the ball.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Mark
It's a very good feeling to ingrain, @Mark Helm. For example, have a look at the Flying Wedge Drill.
There's also a section of the school built around a trail arm-based swing, including that "punch" feel you mention. It's called The Simplest Golf Swing Ever class.